First drug proven to slow Alzheimers expected to be approved by FDA

COLUMBIA, S.C. (CNN)—Today, the Food and Drug Administration is expected to decide on granting full approval to Leqembi, the first drug proven to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in some patients.

This is much more than just a formality. Full approval would likely prompt the centers for Medicare and Medicaid services to change how it covers the drug — broadening access for up to about a million people with early onset Alzheimer’s.

Leqembi got accelerated approval in January, but it hasn’t been widely used because of an earlier coverage decision by CMS, which provides insurance for many elderly Alzheimer’s patients through Medicare.

Without insurance, it costs more than $26,000 a year.